University of HawaiiMicrodevices & Microfluidics Lab

Microrobots & cell manipulation

This research involves the manipulation and the assembly of micro-objects using optically controlled microrobots. Light patterns are used to control the movement of the microrobots. Objectives include the micro-assembly of objects, including live cells, and the parallel, independent control of multiple microrobots in one system.

The UH microrobot (visible in the top center of the image) was used to
position these 20-μm-diameter beads to form "UH".

Single-cell patterning and assembly in 3D hydrogels

This project involves the micromanipulation, patterning, and microassembly of cells, followed by encapsulation in 3D hydrogel scaffolds. The aim is to be able to perform the bottom-up assembly of tissues and organs in vitro (outside the body, in a dish). These tissues and organs can be used to provide more realistic test models, streamlining the process of drug screening.

An array of sixteen cells. The left image shows the bright-field image, and the right image shows the live cells fluorescing in green. The white bar represents a distance of 20 μm.

Cell culturing devices

This research involves the trapping of cells in hydrogel scaffold in order to promote the cultivation of cells in 3D. Advances in cell culturing technology could lead to improved drug and therapy development, along with alternative ways to test live subjects. The project will also give a further insight into cell behavior, which could lead to the cure of various diseases.

Reconfigurable electronics using liquid metals

This research uses microfluidic tools and techniques to create tunable radio-frequency (RF) circuits and devices for use in wireless communications systems that take up less space, operate more efficiently, and adapt to changing environements.

Optically induced dielectrophoresis (optoelectronic tweezers)

Optically induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) can be used to manipulate micro- and nano-scale particles, such as cells, carbon nanotubes, and nanowires. Dielectrophoresis is an electrokinetic force induced upon particles in a non-uniform electric field. ODEP integrates the flexibility and control of optical manipulation with the parallel manipulation and sorting capabilities of dielectrophoresis.